Master of Education (MEd)
Overview
The Master of Education (MEd) degree comprises six taught papers at the postgraduate level in Education, and a research dissertation. A candidate who has completed a BA(Hons) degree or a PGDipArts in Education may achieve the degree by passing two taught papers at the postgraduate level and the research dissertation. The programme can be completed in two years of full-time study, in the instance of a student who has not been granted exemptions from taught papers, and in one year with maximum exemptions.
Admission as a candidate for the MEd requires a BA, BEd, BTchg or an acceptable alternative qualification, with grades of B or better in 300-level Education papers. Interested persons with teaching qualifications and degrees in subjects other than Education can apply.
The degree equips graduates with advanced knowledge, critical skills and research acumen needed for employment in teaching, policy analysis, management and research in the public and private sectors. It is also a recognised entry qualification for the PhD degree.
The Master of Education (MEd) is also available through Distance Learning.
Regulations for the Degree of Master of Education (MEd)
1 Admission to the Programme
(a) Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities).
(b) Every applicant must either
(i) be a graduate, or
(ii) have alternative qualifications or experience acceptable to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities).
(c) In considering an applicant's qualifications, regard will be had to the detail of the course of study followed to gain the qualification, as well as the applicant's performance in the programme.
2 Structure of the Programme
(a) The programme of study shall consist of EDUC 490 (dissertation, worth 60 points) and six 30-point papers (or their equivalent), normally selected from those prescribed for the degree of Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Education, the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects in Education, or the degree of Master of Education.
(b) A candidate whose qualification for entry to the programme is the degree of Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Education or the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects in Education may achieve the degree by passing EDUC 490 and two 30-point papers (or their equivalent) as required by the Dean of the University of Otago College of Education.
(c) A candidate may be exempted from some of the required papers as prescribed in regulation 2(a) on the basis of previous postgraduate study.
(d) A candidate may not present a dissertation (EDUC 490) or research study (EDUC 480) which has previously been accepted for another degree or diploma. To be awarded the degree, a candidate must receive a passing grade for EDUC 490.
(e) The dissertation (EDUC 490) must be submitted no later than 1 November in the year of enrolment.
Note: EDUC 480 and EDUC 490 are also available through Distance Learning as EDUX 480 and EDUX 490.
3 Duration of the Programme
(a) A candidate who has been granted no exemptions from papers on the basis of previous graduate study shall follow a programme of study for not less than two years. A candidate who enters the programme after completing a Bachelor of Arts with Honours degree or a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects in Education, or who has been exempted from a maximum of four papers toward the degree on the basis of other previous graduate study, shall follow a programme of study for not less than one year.
(b) A candidate shall satisfy the requirements for the degree within four years of admission to the programme.
4 Withdrawal from the Programme
Where a candidate withdraws from the programme after completing at least four papers as required in regulation 2(a), the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities) may recommend the award of the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects or determine which of the papers shall be credited towards the diploma.
5 Level of Award of the Degree
The degree may be awarded with distinction or credit.
6 Variations
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities) may in exceptional circumstances approve a course of study which does not comply with these regulations.
Note: An application for admission to the programme is required; this is separate from the enrolment process. Applications should reach the Division of Humanities by 10 December of the year preceding that in which the programme is to be commenced.
Subject Area
Further Information
Dr Fiona McDonald
Distance Teaching Coordinator
Tel 03 479 4949
Email fi.mcdonald@otago.ac.nz
